Today’s read aloud was “Beansprout” by Sarah Lynne Reul — and my class took the story straight into their hands. After the last page, they looked at me and said, “Can we grow our own?” So we did. Watching them scoop soil, choose their sprout, and whisper little hopes into their cups… it reminded me how learning feels when it’s rooted in joy, curiosity, and care. Small hands. Small seeds. Big magic!

Today we wrapped up our poetry unit with the gentle, soul soothing picture book” Dear Treefrog “by Joyce Sidman and illustrated by Diana Sudyka. This story in verse is beautiful, tender, and full of quiet strength. My students connected deeply with the little girl who finds comfort, courage, and companionship in a small treefrog while settling into a new home. As the seasons change, she watches the life around her. She notices insects, flowers, sounds, and sensations and lear

Everything grows in Jiddo’s Garden” by Jenan A. Matari, illustrated by Aya Ghanameh, is a tender and beautifully illustrated story about belonging and home. It starts with a girl who lives far away from Palestine. She has never been to Palestine, yet loves it. As she discusses and imbibes Jiddo’s “green thumb superpowers, we learn that a garden is more than a collection of plants – it is memory, hope and connection. “Even when the dark clouds sully the sun and makes the days

I read “My Brother is Away” to my class today, and the room grew quiet in that kind of way when children are deeply listening — feeling. 
Almost instantly, they began making text-to-text connections with Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peña — both stories where a child processes absence, love, and complicated feelings through imagination and quiet strength. Just as books like “Milo Imagines the World” and “Visiting Day” by Jacqueline Woodson do, this story opens a gentl

It’s Halloween, and what better way to celebrate than with “To Catch a Ghost” by Rachel Michelle Wilson? My Grade 3s already adore her hilarious “How to Pee Your Pants“ and once again, they were not disappointed! This story had us laughing out loud one moment and quietly reflecting the next. The premise itself is fun — a kid trying to catch a ghost for show-and-tell — but the execution? Absolutely brilliant. There’s so much heart hidden beneath the humour, and the ending caug

I was honoured to receive an ARC of “Mazahir’s Marvelous First Fast”. It is Astory that immediately joined my Ramadan and Eid collection. Mazahir’s journey through her first fast is filled with warmth, honesty and determination. It captures the heart of Ramadan — patience, reflection and kindness — through the eyes of a child who simply wants to do her best. 
As an educator in an international school I often meet children experiencing their first fast and teachers learning ho

Music of the Mountains by Sabrina Shah, illustrated by Manal Mirza This story touched me deeply. it’s such a tender celebration of how music and tradition can bridge generations. My class and I talked about what parts of our own cultures have been passed down from our parents and grandparents — from German songs and Indian festivals to Korean recipes and Dutch bedtime stories. The children were so proud to share their own family traditions, and it made this read-aloud even mo

As a teacher, I love books that create curiosity and this one did just that! “I Spot an Invention!” by Rana Aly and authored by Dinesh N. Melwani.This book lets young readers see the world through Sani and Jai’s eyes as they turn everyday moments into exciting discoveries. The story shows that “a single idea can come from anyone,” from Alarm Clock to Roti maker. I recently shared this book with my “Comic Camp club” and it caused so many “aha moments” that the kids started spo

I read “Just Shine”to my class this week, and it opened up one of the most heartfelt conversations we’ve had about love, learning, and the quiet ways we influence one another. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor offers wise words to live by for young children, but the message resonated deeply with all of us. Through the tender lens of her relationship with her mother, Celina, Ms. Sotomayor reminds us that children learn not only from what we say but from how we live. Her wo

I read “A Million YES “by DJ Corchin and Dan Dougherty to my class today and it opened up one of the most meaningful conversations we have had together. The story begins with a character who had a plan. It was a good plan, filled with a million yeses. But when a friend was in need, she gave them a yes. And then another. And another. Soon her plan started to change. My students already loved A Thousand NO’s so when this new book arrived they begged me to read it. We ended up s

Today I shared The Greatest River with my extension writers, my passionate writers who love exploring how words can move us. We paused on lines like Heads swayed, voices connected, the earth hummed.
Ananda closed her eyes and felt the healing energy.
Maasi wept silently.
“It feels good to let it out,” she said. We talked about how words can invoke meaning and emotions, how they make us see, feel, and almost hear what the writer is describing. This touching tale follows Ananda

Today’s read aloud was Taco Falls Apart by Brenda S. Miles 
My Grade 3s and I had such a meaningful discussion about what happens when pressure and anxiety feel too big to carry. This book gently reminds us that what you think you become. It instantly made me think of one of my favorite teachers of life, Dr Wayne Dyer. He often said, “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change.” That message was so alive in our classroom today. The strategy Think

If you have read Fish in a Tree, you know I am already a fan of Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s books. That story reminded us about the power of resilience, empathy, and embracing differences. Reading Wish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt and Nancy Carpenter with my Grade 3s was such a heart touching moment. What stood out most to my students was how Albert listened and admired him for exactly who he is. We talked about neurodiversity and how there are many kinds of brains and that think

The Day the Books Disappeared by Joanna Ho and Caroline Kusin Pritchard with illustrations by Dan Santat When powerhouse authors come together with Dan Santat’s iconic illustrations you know magic is going to happen. My Grade 3s spotted his style right away. They said “That looks like Dan Santat” and their excitement filled the room even before the first page was read. Arnold only loves books about planes. He thinks everyone else should too. When he discovers he can make his

Sometimes the books I read to my class feel like a mirror reflecting their lives, their challenges, and their strengths. The Interpreter by Olivia Abtahi is one of those books. It tells the story of a girl who loves soccer, her family, and just being a kid, but who also carries the responsibility of being her parents’ interpreter at doctor’s appointments, school meetings, and even at the market. I immediately thought of some of my students who do exactly this for their famili

Sometimes the books that hit hardest are the ones that feel a little too real. Reel Life by Kane Lynch reminded me of my own students who are navigating big family changes while also trying to figure out friendships and themselves. A heartfelt graphic novel that middle schoolers (and even adults) will see themselves in.

Sensitive by Sara Levine and Mehrdokht Amini 
This book felt like a warm hug for every child (and adult) who’s ever been called “too sensitive.” The words “jostled and tumbled” captured perfectly how sensitivity feels inside and its a reminder that we don’t need to change who we are, just learn how to nurture it. After reading it to my class, my students shared their powerful insights:
- They mentioned that sometimes they need more time to process
- Friends/adults use a kind

Read Aloud FRIDAY: Fuelling Curiosity, Inspiring Discovery I do not often find a picture book that makes me tear up while also reminding me of the simplest acts of kindness. Another Word for Neighbour did exactly that. Han, who loves the quiet comfort of his days, has his world turned upside down when two children move in next door. What begins as curiosity grows into connection. Food is shared, memories are spoken, and the tender ache of grief is softened by community. In my

Try-Again Thursday Read-aloud Reading Allan Finds His Wings with my Grade 3s was a reminder that dreams aren’t always easy, but they are always worth holding on to. Allan doesn’t give up when things get tough. Instead, he keeps looking for ways to make his dream of flying possible. That lesson—perseverance, hope, and opportunity—is one we all need. After the read-aloud, my Grade 3s and I brainstormed the obstacles they sometimes face—things like tricky math problems, learning

Motivation Monday Read-Aloud Today we shared Every Monday Mabel by Jashar Awan. A sweet reminder that small routines, like waiting for the garbage truck, can become big, joyful traditions that connect us to people and the world around us. Stories like this help us pause, notice, and celebrate the little moments that make our Mondays meaningful.